Carol’s presentation was the best Grand Rounds we have had at the Cleveland
Clinic this year.
Tatiana Falcone, M.D.
Cleveland Clinic
Your unfailing dedication to breaking down the barriers of stigma related to depression
and ECT is exemplary. If only others would have the courage to follow in your footsteps,
mental health treatment would no longer be hidden in the shadows. Carol, you are
a true gift to humanity. I am personally blessed by your life journey and commitment
to improving the quality of life for individuals with psychiatric disabilities and
their family members as well as your devotion to bringing the real-world into the
academic setting.
Mary D. Moller, DNP, ARNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, CPRP, FAAN
Specialty Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Yale University School of Nursing
Carol Kivler's discussion of her journey is compelling, candid and provocative.
Everyone in the audience left not just informed, but transformed.
Joy Jones, Director of Community Relations
Psychiatric Institute of Washington
Thank you, Carol, for having the courage to speak so openly at our Grand Rounds
series about your journey of recovery. Your heartfelt testimonial of optimism and
resilience is moving and inspirational, and is an invaluable message for professionals
and lay people alike.
Jonathan Krejci, Ph.D.
Director of Training and Research, Princeton House Behavioral Health
Your Grand Rounds presentation, “The Other Side of Psychosis” was exceptionally
well received by our department. Thank you once again for taking the time from your
busy schedule to join us and share your expertise and advocacy.
Joseph Austerman, D.O.
Chair, Psychiatry Grand Rounds Committee
Cleveland Clinic
Both the interns and the more experienced residents were fascinated by Ms. Kivler’s
talk, and wished for more. She provided living confirmation of many of the things
the residents are taught-the effectiveness of ECT, the value of a long term trusting
relationship with a psychiatrist, the importance of genuinely listening to the patient,
and the impact of ordinary human kindness. The interns could have had no better introduction
to the relationship with the patient.
Kimberly R. Best, MD
Albert Einstein Medical Center
Carol Kivler, M.S. smashes the common stereotype of the unemployed, incapable
or demented individual with a mental illness. Her message of recovery, productivity
and successful living is one that any individual who has, lives with or is a health
care provider must hear. A successful business woman, courageous advocate and warm
human being make Mrs. Kivler, a voice of reason and hope for all whose lives are
touched by mental illness.
(Rev) Ben Evans, DD, DNP, RN, APN, Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse Associate
Vice President, Behavioral Health Services, Bergen Regional Medical Center
We had the pleasure of having Carol as our Keynote Speaker at the New Jersey Psychiatric
Rehabilitation Association’s annual conference this year. The keynote, Putting the
Face of “HOPE” on Mental Health Awareness: Help, Offer, Partner, Erase, was both
informative and inspirational. The honesty in which Carol shared her personal experience
was quite moving and reminded us all of the power of hope in recovery.
Jennifer Sperduto, MS, CPRP
New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
In a world where spin is king, Carol Kivler is not only a breath of fresh air; she is messenger of common sense, integrity, experience and humility. Four qualities that are desperately needed in making our mental health systems quality foundations for successful support of the individuals they serve and their recovery process. It is no surprise that over 300 individuals gave her a standing ovation at our yearly conference. Human beings seem to recognize and honor real truth when it is spoken. Stigma in this field results when individuals are afraid to speak their truth because their experience may not support a current professional/family/consumer theory, or belief, no matter how well intentioned. There is no one size fits all. Carol's honesty about what worked and what didn't for her is an example of the type of dialogue that should be ongoing if we hope to make recovery a reality and expand our knowledge base to become more successful than we believe is currently possible.
Her ABC's of Recovery and its contents reveal the importance of personal responsibility, choice, and healthy habits that support an individual going forward in their recovery process. Taking responsibility to care for yourself first so you actually have something to give to family, those you love and the world is old wisdom. Carol makes the old wisdom new and makes it shine. In today's world it is much needed. Carol was a shining example of what the hope of one person's story, experience, and hard earned wisdom can bring to those who are willing to listen.
Wendy Wood
Director of Opportunity and Networking
Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association
- As a person who struggles with anxiety and depression and is working in healthcare, your presentation was equally educational and heartfelt.
- Great great great presentation! Keeping us rejuvenated and passionate for the clients we are privileged to serve!!
- She was wonderful! I appreciated her honesty, humor, and vulnerability. She lives her values! What an example! Thank you!
- Ms. Kivler is an excellent speaker and the work she is doing is absolutely invaluable. She's a gift to the mental health world and humanity. Thanks!
Speaker very eloquent and personable.
- Thank you for sharing your story. Your courage and information is very helpful and inspiring.
Attendees - Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Thank you, Carol, for your personal testimony of hope and empowerment. The nursing students were touched by your willingness to share of your own life and your avowed ministry of fighting the social stigma of mental illness. Your message to care for the body, mind, and spirit of each individual was spoken clearly and memorably. Your presentation on ECT helped dispel some myths and encouraged a more informed perspective. Thank you again for your generous gift of words and spirit.
Marina Lutz, MSN, RN, Division of Nursing and Health Science
Neumann University
I want to thank you for presenting as our keynote speaker for this year’s conference.
You are a very inspiring and dynamic speaker. Sharing your first-hand experience
so openly with the audience was very moving and really touched the hearts of us all.
You have reminded me that there is always hope for recovery and the small things
that we do on a daily basis can really make a difference in the lives of those we
serve in the field of vocational rehabilitation services.
Amy M. Kaboski, MS, LRC, CRC, CPRP, NCC, DCC
President, New Jersey Rehabilitation Association
Carol was able to provide insight and I was amazed at her courage for being able
to share her story, even her darkest moments. I was also more enlightened about the
difficult journey that so many of our patients experience and I learned how important
it is to instill even the smallest amount of hope in the lives of our patients.
Patricia Cole, MSN, RN
Prince William Health System
Thanks from the bottom of my heart for appearing on "American Family"
to share your story about overcoming depression. You were absolutely dynamite! Your
discussion was not only informative, setting a positive example for others who suffer
from clinical depression but also very powerful emotionally. The insights and honesty
you offered on the challenges of successfully overcoming depression were right on
the money and extremely well articulated. You should be very proud of your own journey.
You are certainly an inspiration to me!
Bettina Gregory
Host, GoodLife TV Network
We were very fortunate that you were able to speak to us about your illness
this past Tuesday. I believe that your presentation made a real impact on the researchers
here. I have had nothing but positive comments from many of my co-workers about your
presentation. I came away inspired, knowing that the medicines we are striving to
develop truly make a difference in real peoples' lives. I've always believed that,
but real experiences and faces mean much more.
Albert Uveges
Scientist, Wyeth Research
Every time Carol recounts her own experiences with mental illness and recovery
she demonstrates that people who have mental illness can and do recover and live
productive lives. By standing up and speaking out, Carol is breaking the stigma surrounding
mental illness one audience at a time.
Jerry Lindauer
Executive Director, NAMI-Mercer (National Alliance of Mental Illness)
It was our pleasure to have you come and speak with us. You were truly inspirational,
and in fact made the research group realize that indeed our work is important and
can impact the lives of others. Many times in our discipline scientists find themselves
caught up in the scientific details and forget the true goal. Your presentation has
further motivated us and will not be forgotten.
Lee E. Schechter, Ph.D., Director, Depression and Anxiety Research, Wyeth Research
What can I say? Your presentation was absolutely incredible! My students were
riveted to their seats. You have opened up their eyes in ways I never could have.
Your presentation has changed not only their professional lives but their personal
lives as well.
I have spoken to my colleagues, and we want you to come back again next year and
speak to all of our students!
Donna A. Gaffney, RN, DNSc, FAAN, Seton Hall University
Carol's presentation was well regarded by the attendees of our New Jersey Nursing Students annual convention. The students expressed that they learned so much from her, were inspired by her, and that they would recommend her presentation to other attendees. As one student stated "the room was packed and rightfully so". On behalf of NJNS, we appreciate your dedication to the education of nursing students and hope that you will return for our next convention, in a larger room!
Candace White, RN, Second-Vice President, New Jersey Nursing Students, Inc.
Bravo! Carol! Your personal story was extremely enlightening both personally
and professionally. Not only did you take the negative stigma away from mental illness
for me, you reinforced the very reason why I chose to go into nursing in the first
place to make a difference.
Nursing Student, Seton Hall University
Thank you for your optimism, your wisdom, and courage that you shared today.
I will remember you and your story and hopefully make a difference in someone's life.
Nursing Student, Seton Hall University
Carol Kivler brought home the humanity and the anguish of mental illness. She
is so brave to take her experience on the road and speak so frankly. Thank you, Carol.
Nursing Student, Seton Hall University
Carol has given me the courage to approach not only patients suffering from
mental illness but also a lot of suggestions for dealing with patients with physical
illness. There isn't such a large difference between the two populations (beyond
the stigma, of course).
Nursing Student, Seton Hall University
Thank you for sharing your personal story with us. Your journey is so inspiring
and your remarks were so comforting to those of us who are filled with hope for our
loved ones with mental illness. It is terrific that your message is reaching more
and more people, as you are an outstanding role model and advocate.
Carol Nied, Development Committee, NAMI-Mercer
Carol Kivler's experiences need to be communicated to all employees.
Attendee, St. Barnabas Behavioral Health Center
